Here is a more complete response to Gina's concerns. Can people be upset by discoveries about irregularities in their ancestry? Of course they can. That will always be the case. All good beginning genealogy books cover what people may find. I will do everything to make sure that doesn't happen with the people I am dealing with. I can not imagine releasing the information that an individual is not a match. However if an entire branch is not a match I would consult with the volunteers and other researchers on how to handle that. In over thirty years of doing genealogy I can't recall ever giving delicate information with out being asked. And then only to those with need to know. The lab and I don't even have know the name of a volunteer. The lab in the one Nena mentioned, Family Tree DNA. I need to know the great-grandfather's name and I am pretty sure no one is combing my hard drive for that. As for who pays I am asking the volunteers to pay for the test, it could be a family project. I do not want to do any fund raising. I have to get the testing kits and distribute them to get a group discount, but I will not make any money. I am retired and am not looking to make a profit. What I plan to do with the results. I will publish a report on a website that will hopefully answer the questions I have raised. Is there a common ancestor for Casper Statler of Somerset County PA and John Stotler of Morgan County West Virginia? Is there a common ancestor for Casper Statler of Somerset County PA and Stephen Stateler or the other Statelers of West Virginia? I envision a review of the groups I established in 1986 and update them in light of new knowledge both DNA and conventional research. And websites are not permanent, so a copy needs to placed in the big libraries. As to waiting thirty years I will not be around (or will be too old), I am interested in the early origins of my family and have looked at what other families are doing now and while the cost may come down in the future, now is a pretty good time. While I have been composing this someone has asked to be released from this discussion. There is a very active rootsweb list on this topic GENEALOGY-DNA you can browse two years of discussions if you have alot of time. I will be happy to answer any other questions by direct email. shall@pacbell.net